The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards

The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards have a proud history, both in celebrating achievement by Australian writers and in helping to establish values and standards in Australian literature.

The NSW Government is committed to increasing public engagement with the arts. Administered by the State Library of NSW in association with Arts NSW, the Premier’s Literary Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of literacy and to encourage everyone to enjoy and learn from the work of our writers. These annual awards honour distinguished achievement by Australian writers, contribute to Australia’s artistic reputation, and draw international attention to some of our best writers and to the cultural environment that nurtues them.

2015 NSW Premier's Literary Awards

In order to be eligible, all works must have been first published, performed, broadcast or screened between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2014. (Note: This does not apply to entries for The Translation Prize.)

Total prize money in 2015, including sponsored awards, is $320,000. Writers and illustrators whose works are nominated must be living Australian citizens or persons holding permanent residency.

Other awards which may be given include: The Special Award, The Book of the Year and The Peoples’ Choice Award. Nominations are not accepted for these awards.

The Premier of NSW and/or Minister for the Arts will publicly announce the shortlists at least four weeks prior to the announcement of the winning titles. The shortlists, with the judges’ comments, will be posted on the State Library of NSW website <www.sl.nsw.gov.au>.

The winners will be announced and the awards presented at a function in May 2015.

The names of the winners, and the judges’ comments, will be posted on the State Library of NSW website <www.sl.nsw.gov.au> after their announcement.

2014 NSW Premier's Literary Awards

The winners of the 2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards were announced at a presentation ceremony held at the State Library of NSW on Monday 19 May, recognising the achievements of leading Australian writers.

Total prize money in 2014, including sponsored awards, was $275,000. Writers and illustrators whose works are nominated must be living Australian citizens or persons holding permanent residency.

In order to be eligible, all works must have been first published, performed, broadcast or screened between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013.

2013 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards

Works eligible for the 2013 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, except for the Translation Prize, must have been first published, produced, performed or made publicly available between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012.

The NSW Premier's Translation Prize is offered biennially, and was awarded in 2013 and will be next offered in 2015.

The winners of the 2013 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards were announced at a ceremony held at the State Library of NSW on Sunday 19 May 2013, on the eve of the Sydney Writers' Festival. A total of $305,000 in prize money, including sponsored awards, was awarded across 12 prizes.